What is the “Hi mum” scam?

The “Hi mum” scam is a message from someone pretending to be your child or another relative. They often claim to have lost their phone and be using a new number, then ask for money after building trust. It can happen on WhatsApp or by ordinary text message. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A new number claims to belong to your child or relative. 1
  2. The sender explains why the usual phone or banking app cannot be used. 1
  3. They request a transfer for a bill or supposed emergency. 1

Real UK example

Which? reported a case in September 2022 where a mother was contacted by someone pretending to be her son. The fraudster claimed he needed help paying a bill.

The same report showed examples moving from ordinary texts to WhatsApp. The request exploited a family relationship, not technical account access. 1

Warning signs

  • A new number opens with “Hi mum” or “Hi dad”. 12
  • The sender asks you to move the conversation to WhatsApp. 12
  • They say their phone is damaged and ask for a bill payment. 1342
  • The account details do not match the relative you think you are helping. 12

What to do now

  1. Do not pay until you have checked through a separate trusted route. 12
  2. Call your relative’s usual number or contact another family member. 12
  3. Report and block the suspicious account in WhatsApp. For an ordinary text, forward it to 7726. 1562

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 347
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 48
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 8

How to protect yourself

  • Agree how family members will verify a real change of number. 12
  • Treat a new-number message as unverified, even if the story sounds plausible. 12
  • Avoid providing the relative’s name or other details to an unknown sender. 12

Frequently asked questions

Can the “Hi mum” scam arrive by text instead of WhatsApp?

Yes. Which? documented both channels. Some texts ask the recipient to move the conversation to WhatsApp. 1

Is this the same as the WhatsApp verification-code scam?

No. “Hi mum” impersonates a relative to seek money. A code scam seeks access to an existing WhatsApp account. 19

What if the person says their old phone cannot be used?

Do not let that remove the check. Use another trusted family contact or a previously agreed verification method before paying. 12

Matching kit

Helping an Older Relative Spot Scams · £9 · Digital download.

A family guide with a pause-and-check plan and who-to-call card. It does not promise that scams cannot happen.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

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Sources

  1. Which?, Notorious 'Hi Mum and Dad' scam spreads from WhatsApp to text message - Which?. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Vishing - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing: Report internet scams and phishing - GOV.UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Report Fraud, How to report suspicious messages, calls and websites - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  8. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  9. BBC News, Derbyshire Police warning over WhatsApp account takeover scam - BBC News. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).